India’s exports to core BRICS markets surge 34% in April-August, China leads

India’s exports to China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia grew 34% to $19.9 billion in April-August 2026-27, led by a 39% jump in shipments to China, highlighting the growing importance of the BRICS bloc for India’s export growth.

“As India deepens its engagement with the BRICS bloc, strongest momentum is coming from the BRICS members, especially Core BRICS founding partners, China, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia,” an official said.

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia joining in 2025. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam became BRICS partner countries last year.

According to commerce ministry data, exports to the four core BRICS economies grew by 34%, rising from $14.9 billion in April-August 2025-26 to $19.9 billion in April-August 2026-27. The share of the four countries in India’s total exports increased to 9.2% during the first five months of this fiscal, up from 8.1% in the same period of 2025-26.

Among the core BRICS countries, China emerged as the largest contributor, with Indian exports expanding by 39% to reach $9.6 billion in the first five months of 2026-27. South Africa recorded the fastest growth rate, with exports surging 58% during the period. Brazil and Russia also maintained steady double-digit growth.